The Canary's Lesson
By Daisy Gardner.

First things come first: mud washes out
and won't hurt the grass in the field.
We needed the saucepan - please, Mum, don't shout
It was a shining strong shield.

Dovey was playing as Eowyn, see
riding bravely atop a strong pig
We hadn't a mountain, so instead used a tree
but real horses, alas, were too big.

I acted Sam-dad and Crow carried a ring
Elly said we might use it, matching in with the book.
It was just made of wire, just a trinkety thing.
Lacking volcanoes, we were bound for the brook.

The Lark and the Sparrow were terribly brave
when captured and carried by orcs.
I bet that real heroes are never told to behave
and their swords aren't just rusted old forks.

So Molly and Dove sat atop their fine steed
while the Took stabbed through trollskin and warts.
But, playing this game, what the ringbearers need
is a guide, a companion of sorts.

'Twas the Buzzard, not me, I tell you no lies,
who wheedled, sneaked, hissed out her esses.
Truly, Mum, I got quite the surprise
to find all that dirt on our dresses.

If I'd known it would be quite so messy, well I -
I would never stop playing, being fair.
And Del looked so tragical, pretending to die,
I just had to put mud in her hair.

Since she was deaded, I didn't expect
the attack on my back as I turned.
I fought hard and dirty, Master dear to protect
We had to get away or be burned.

Except, down by Doom River, real lava is rare
so into mud-lava we fell.
Then Eowyn fair, and her holbytla pair
gave a cheer, and jumped in as well.

Now, Mother, I know that you're much unenthused
When we come home all swaddled in muck.
Yet, think of the outcome if It had been used,
and you'll see that this ending's good luck.

I've learnt a lesson today, truly I have, I'll babble it out in a flood
Before my punishment's picked (sticks and fiddles!)
It's: friends in the mud are more fun than blood,
swords lords or kings, rings and riddles.

~

Pretty Good Year | email Mary